Dragons make rousing debut in Elite Classic of E-Leagues

CEBU, Philippines - Niño Belande sparkled with 20 points spiked with nine rebounds, five steals and three assists in an all-around hardcourt show for the Supportsave Dragons, who passed their acid test in the Elite Classic with flying colors following a 68-45 drubbing of the SSI Warriors in the Tanduay Athletics CCSC E-Leagues for Basketball Season 13 last Sunday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

The Dragons were promoted to the tougher Elite Classic after winning the Evo League championship last season undefeated in 16 games.

Justin Marie Mier chipped in with 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals while Germaine Jo Guarisma added 11 points, six steals and four assists for the Dragons, who dropped a devastating 23-4 bomb in the second quarter to obliterate the hapless Warriors.

The outcome was already beyond question after the Dragons led by 28 points at halftime, 42-14.

In the other Elite Classic games, Sylvester Millevo notched 11 points on top of nine rebounds and three steals as the last year's runner-up Lexmark Stallions escaped past the Sykes Pioneers in a low-scoring match, 38-36, while Juna Marion Misa and Archie Batua conspired for 25 points to power the Accenture Sharks to a 70-48 rout of the ePerformax Reds.

 In the lone Evo League duel, Kenneth Babor had 11 points laced with 13 rebounds and three assists while Jedhison Palomaria and Val Quiapo each scored 10 as the Dynnino Jets survived Shearwater, 43-41. The Jets won despite playing with only six players because of opening ceremonies violation.

It was inadvertently reported yesterday that the Jets won by forfeiture over Shearwater. It was actually The Results Spartants who won by default over the Teletech due to an opening rites in fraction by the Titans. (FREEMAN)